C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1971 350ci 270hp

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 06:30 PM
  #1  
71_S-Ray's Avatar
71_S-Ray
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
Default 1971 350ci 270hp

What's the engine code? Everywhere I look shows the optional engines (LT1, LS5, LS6). So what did they call the 270hp (other than gutless)?

Purpose: I'm trying to find out more about my engine to see how far down I need to go before building up. Specifically cast/steel crank, 2/4-bolt main block, chamber and valve size of the heads, etc.

Thanks!
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 06:42 PM
  #2  
71_S-Ray's Avatar
71_S-Ray
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
Default

Of course, right after I post this thread I think I found what I was looking for. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the 270hp was the L48 which has a cast iron crank, 76cc chamber heads, and a mere 8.5:1 compression ratio (dish pistons?). This explains its 1/4 mile run of 15.5 seconds in a test I found from 1971.

I've already made several enhancements, but it looks like I really need to attack those heads.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 07:10 PM
  #3  
rcread's Avatar
rcread
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Default

Your specs are correct. I have a '71 L48. I replaced the cam, installed an Edelbrock intake and installed 58cc L98 heads, put in a Dewitts radiator with an electric fan and managed a 14.2, which is fast enough for what is just a cruiser for me. You can do a lot of good by lowering the weight. I have an aluminum water pump and composite rear spring in addition to the other aluminum goodies.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 07:28 PM
  #4  
wfo76's Avatar
wfo76
Drifting
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Default

Originally Posted by 71_S-Ray
What's the engine code?
ZQ3, which basically means "standard engine".

L48 was not used to designate the Corvette standard engine until 73.

Should have 2-bolt mains, cast crank, rods & 8.5 pistons, 1.94/1.50 valves.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 11:02 PM
  #5  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

The L-48 designation began in 1971. The other info is correct.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1971 350ci 270hp





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:12 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE